Hearing Loss Attorney in Chicago
Occupational hearing loss is a growing problem in the U.S. A recent survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed more than 15 percent of full time employees were diagnosed with a hearing problem. More than 30 percent of employees working full time experienced symptoms of hearing loss but did not seek medical treatment, reports the same survey. Hearing loss related to noise levels, which are referred to as noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), occurs when a worker is exposed to either one single loud event or constant high levels of noise.
Sound is measured in decibels. Exposure to noise levels below 75 decibels is unlikely to cause hearing loss, however, exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. For example, the average decibel rating for a normal conversation is 60. The decibel rating for a siren is 120 and an idling bulldozer emits 85 decibels of sound.
Hearing Loss Lawyer in Chicago
How does noise damage the ear? As sound waves enter the ear and travel through the ear canal, the vibrations of the sound waves create a rippling effect, which cause hair cells (sensory cells) to move up and down. Exposure to high levels of sound can damage hair cells, which do not grow back or repair themselves. Because most cases of NIHL are gradual, workers may not notice symptoms right away or worse, ignore the symptoms of NIHL. Keep in mind, noise induced hearing loss can be prevented.
If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears, distorted sounds, sensitivity to different levels of sound, vertigo, difficulty sleeping or pain in the ear, do not wait to seek medical attention.
Hearing Loss Attorneys in Chicago
Although hearing loss isn’t always thought of as a major injury, it can have a profound effect on a worker’s professional career and personal life. The ability to hear is a gift that many people take for granted.
Imagine not being able to carry on a conversation with your child or listen to your favorite band? Imagine not being able to perform your job because of hearing loss? How would you provide for your family if you weren’t able to work?
If you have been diagnosed with occupational hearing loss, you have legal rights that may allow you to collect financial compensation for medical care, permanent disability, and job displacement. To learn what your legal rights, contact an experienced work injury lawyer at the Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyers immediately.
Hearing Loss Lawyers in Chicago
Insurance companies are not always sensitive to the devastating effects of hearing loss. Unless the claims administrator has suffered from hearing loss, it can be difficult to communicate the severity of the injury. At the Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyers, the dedicated work comp attorneys we work with will fight for your legal right to benefits and not allow the insurance company to brush your claim to the side.
To schedule a thorough case review with an ethical work injury lawyer in our group, call 312.272.2545 as soon as possible or fill out and submit a contact form. It’s imperative you act quickly when dealing with the workers’ compensation system. Strict guidelines limit the amount of time you have to file a claim and claims filed too late will not be considered. There is no fee for the initial consultation and you won’t have to pay a dime until your case is won.